Some of you might remember my hectic October when my brother and I were responding to our parents’ emergency health challenges. Since then, we’ve been trying to find senior housing near us and a spot finally opened up. Months of waiting flipped overnight into a flurry of urgent activity.
Not a happy cat!
I’ll be flying to Colorado tomorrow to pack their house, make trips to the dump, talk to a realtor, arrange for a UHaul, move my parents (and their cats!), and get them settled into their new apartment a thousand miles from the place they call home. The to-do dragon is a mile long and will surely grow horns and a tail.
Needless to say, this is going to take a few weeks. I’m practicing serenity as well as making time to accomplish my tasks with patience, care, and kindness.
I have posts prescheduled in order to finish sharing March’s Speculative Fiction stories and poems. I’m going to close comments, so please click through to the writers’ sites to comment on the stories.
We’ll wrap up the Ninny Rhino challenge with a blog party (you’re all invited), and I’ve got some lovely blog shares planned as well as a couple reposts. You won’t even notice that I’m gone. Lol.
With all this going on, I’ve decided not to post a prompt for April (sigh). I just wouldn’t be able to give it the proper attention it requires.
But, we’ll resume in May – so get your steampunk hats on!
I’ll be visiting and checking in as I’m able. Happy Writing and have a few wonderful weeks of spring (or autumn). Peace ❤
Myths of the Mirror 
Well Diane it is no wonder April is being skipped. I am surprised May isn’t too. I wish you well and shall not envy you. If you need more time … just take it we will not forsake you. Good luck and I hope they settle easily for everyones sake.
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Thanks, Ellen. My parents are moved and settling in. I should be home next week and will definitely nap for a few days. It’s going to be so much easier having them a short drive away. 😀 Have an awesome day!
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You have a great weekend. X
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Hope all goes smoothly, Diana!
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My folks are moved, Teri. Now, just unpacking and getting acclimated to the area, and other details. I hope to be home early next week!. Thanks for stopping by!
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Best wishes, Diana. I’m late to this post, so I’m guessing you are knee-deep into that to-do list by now. I hope the transition goes as smoothly as possible!
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Thanks, Joanne. My first break in four days and I thought I’d catch up on the blog a bit. 🙂 We’re chest deep! But all going as well as can be expected. Hope you’re having a great week!
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Also , thank you for reading my blog !! You have a wonderful flair of conveying !!
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A long to-do list indeed! Take care of yourself as well, Diana! This sort of thing is stressful, so don’t skimp on taking breaks to recharge. Good luck, and let us know things went well!
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This is my first break, Julie, and it’s relaxing to sit here and blog a little. It’s been hectic, but I knew it would be. 🙂 Thanks for kind wishes.
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Safe travels. Wish you all the best.
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Thanks, Drew. It’s been a whirlwind and there is tons still to do, but each day we’re a little closer. Thanks for the kind wishes.
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Best to you, Diana. Safe travels, and hold onto your energy and sanity!
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Thanks, Jennie. My first chance to hop on the blog. 🙂 All is going well, though hectic! Hope you’re having a great week!
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That’s good news, Diana! 🙂
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Take the time you need to grieve this change yourself … and drink lots of water. 🙂 … see you on the other side.
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Thank you! My first chance to get to the blog in 4 days. I’m drinking tons of water. It’s so dry out here. All going well though… so far!
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Do what you have to do and I hope your parents adjust well to the change.
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Peace be with you, Diana. What a whirlwind of activity but in the end will be so much easier for you to have your parents closer. The cats, however, may be a handful. Hugs!
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The cats! That’s the only part that makes me nervous, Molly. What if one jumps out somewhere in Idaho, and I can’t catch it? Ack! Aside from that, I’m certain all will go as smoothly as these things go. Thanks for the kind wishes, my friend. Enjoy your Spring!
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That is a legitimate concern. I’m going to pray that the cats are very calm. I would suggest medication but I think it is dangerous to give a cat a pill. Best of luck!
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Diana, my thoughts are with you all!❤️ It’s a lot for your parents and for you as well … may the move go smoothly and I hope they settle happily into their new apartment. Take good care of yourself and each other! Love & hugs xx
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Thank you, Annika. I’m off in just a couple of hours. I’m sure all will go well as long as we take the journey slowly. My brother is helping, so between the two of us, we got this. Thanks so much for the love and hugs. Have a beautiful spring! ❤
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Take care of YOU throughout all this, lovely one. 🤗❤️
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Thanks, Jess. I will. I’m pretty even keeled about these things and tend not to get stressed. The cats are the only real challenge! Ha ha. Happy Writing, my friend.
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Can you get tranquillisers from the vet to help them?
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My mom has it handled, Jess. Those cats are her babies. All going as well as can be expected. 🙂
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Good! Glad to hear it.
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Diana, you have your hands full for sure, but this is great news after it’s all done and your parents will be closer to you. You are a warrior woman, you’ve got this! ❤
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Thank you, Debby. It will be a relief for sure to have my parents nearby. I’m not worried about the move at all. Parts will go fast, parts we’ll take very slowly, and hopefully the cats will cooperate. 🙂 😀 Have a lovely spring, my friend.
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Safe travels my friend. 🙂 xxx
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Diana, I wish you only the very best and please take good care, my friend.
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Thank you! We’re going to take parts of this move super slow and parts super efficient! BTW, I’m reblogging “Foxtrot in the Kitchen” in early April. I just love that post, and in all this time, haven’t forgotten about it. 🙂 Happy Spring, my friend.
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Please remember to take breaks in between. We are all thinking of you and your mom. Stay safe and get back safely. You are so sweet to offer to reblog…I am just speechless, to be honest. It’s a real honor for me, Diana. Just the fact that you remember the story means the world to me. Take good care, my friend.
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Wishing you all my best as you navigate these rough waters ❤️
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Thank you, Amanda. We’ll do just fine. And my brother is helping, so it might even be fun! Ha ha. Maybe a bit of wishful thinking there, but all good. Have a lovely spring!
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Sending love and prayers for all as you help your parents make the move…
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Thanks, Bette. I’m packed and ready to go in the morning. I’m sure everything will go fine and don’t plan to stress about anything. 🙂 Thanks for the love and prayers. ❤
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Diana, It’s good to know your parents will be closer to you. I think about that as I age, and I’ll move closer to my sons in WA when it’s time. Energy and good thoughts for you during this challenging move.🏡 Rest stops are a must. And a good book for you! 📚 Christine
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We’re making the trip in short legs and leaving time for stretching and naps, Christine. 🙂 And I’m bringing a book! My brother is driving the cats, poor guy. And it will be awesome to have my parents closer. ❤
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Glad to know the cats are transported separately. And you are road tripping with your brother. More support along the way, just in case. 💘
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Will be thinking of you, Diana. Such a lot of hard and emotional work ahead. Happy landings for you all and the felines. xx
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Thank you, Joy. I couldn’t manage it all without my brother. He’s superman. We’ll take it one task at a time and with plenty of patience. Thanks so much for the kind thoughts. 🙂
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Sending you and your family a big hug…I hope it goes smoothly for all…I know they’ll love being closer to you and the cats will settle in once they find their cozy spots. Take good care, Diana!
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Thanks for the big hug, Kim. My parents told me yesterday that the first thing we need to shop for is a cat tree. 🙂 I’m sure the cats will adjust fine. And it will be great to have them closer (the parents). Ha ha. Have a lovely week as spring returns. ❤
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Thank you, Diana!
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Cant wait for another post🤗
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Wishing you all the best Diana. Love and hugs for being a loving daughter. Parents never say but they need those who care around them. I am sure they are going to like being near. Stay blessed dear friend, we’ll miss you.
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Thank you, Balroop. My parents are finally admitting that they can’t manage, and I’m happy to lend a hand. It will be so much easier having them nearby. Thanks for the kind wishes. Happy Writing, my friend. ❤
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Best wishes with the move Diana, it’ll be a relief once it’s done, and your parents (and cats!) are settled close by 🙂
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It definitely will be a relief. They’ll be a short drive away instead of a flight. So I’ll be able to see them (and their cats!) much more frequently. Lol. Thanks for the kind wishes, Louise. I’ll be back full time soon. 🙂
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All the best to you and your parents, Diana! Sending you lots of energy and good vibes for a smooth move! Take care! ❤
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Thanks. My parents are worried, but I keep telling them it will be a piece of cake. 🙂 And I’ll try to make it as relaxing and peaceful as possible for them. Have a lovely spring, my friend. ❤
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You are a good daughter and must be a wonderful blessing to your folks. Keep calm and centred and all will flow as it must – safe travels. Oh, PS most wise to miss a month, it will keep us salivating wanting more xo
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Thanks, Pauline. I have a lot of patience and big muscles (lol), so no problem. We’re doing the actual journey in small bits so my parents don’t get over-tired, and then I’ll hang around and make sure they’re comfortably settled. All good stuff. And yes, I couldn’t post a prompt for April – that would have been insane! Happy Creating, my friend. ❤
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Safe travels and I hope things go well!
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Thanks, Ethan. It will go fine. There’s just a lot to do and coordinate, and my parents can’t really help with most of it. All good though and it will be nice to have them near. Happy Writing!
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It will be nice to have your parents nearby, Diana. Hope the move goes well!
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It will be a combination of hurry up and slow down, Jacqui. And it will definitely be nice to have them nearby. I can drive to see them instead of flying! All good. Thanks and Happy Writing!
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Good luck Diana. I’ve been through this…meditation is necessary. But I’m so glad they get to take the cats! (K)
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Those cats held up the move for over two years, Kerfe. My parents are crazy cat people, and we needed to find a place that would take them all. Then we needed to wait for an apartment to open up. I’ll take good care of myself (bringing a good book). Thanks for the good luck too!
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I’m actually surprised that one exists, but glad as well. Animals are a comfort when you are ill.
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I hope everything will go smoothly and nice. Just don’t forget to take care of yourself as well. Want you back whole and sane! 🤪😁❤️
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I will be back whole and sane, Thea. I try to see the humor in the whole adventure, and respond with love to the less humorous challenges. 😀 I’ll be hovering around the blog a little too. Happy Writing!
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Good to hear. I mean – read. 😀
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❤
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Wishing you, your family, and the cats the best with the upcoming move. 🙂
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Ha. Thanks for the kind wishes, Barbara. The cats are NOT going to enjoy the trip, but we will all get there eventually. 🙂 Happy Spring!
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I know you will! Safe travels for you all.
Happy Spring! ❤
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You’ll be very busy, but you’re doing a good thing. Traumatic time for your parents. They will get used to the change and find happiness.
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I hope my folks will adjust to the changes, Anneli, though I suspect there will be some challenges too. They really should have moved a few years ago when they weren’t quite so weak, but better now before it becomes an emergency. Thank so much for sending me off with your kind thoughts. Happy Writing!
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We’ve been in your shoes and things will work out, I’m sure. It may take some time but it will be all right.
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Good luck🌸
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Thank you. I’ll take all the luck I can get. 🙂
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Good luck with the move! Always an emotional time for all around. Sending you positive energy for strength, patience, humour and love.
❤️❤️
Xx
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I know it’s emotional for my parents, Dawn, but it’s time. It was time two years ago, honestly, as they are quite weak now. But all good and they don’t need to do anything but watch me pack and keep me company. Thanks for the sweet thoughts. ❤
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My sister and I spent a week packing up my mothers house in Ireland. It took so long because we discovered old photos and memento’s and would pour a drink and sit down and share memories for an hour or two and then get back to work. Trust your packing will go faster. Good luck.
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We’re going to be disciplined about packing, Len. With my parents nearer, we’re hoping to browse the family treasures with them during the months to come. I’ll be doing a lot of driving, but less flying!
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Good idea, crazy lady! (I mean that with all fondness.)
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Yeah. For a while I was thinking of keeping the April prompt in place, Chelsea, and then I slapped myself upside the head. Ha ha. Have a great weekend and Happy Writing. 😀
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You, too!
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Best wishes for a smooth transition for your parents Diana.
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Thanks, Brad. It’s going to be busy, but not without breaks to nap! Ha ha. I’ll be hovering around the blog, but the parents come first for a few weeks. Have a wonderful weekend!
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I’m glad you’re leaving time for naps!
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Doesn’t sound fun. Ihope all goes well and see you in May 🙂
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Thanks, Trent. It’s going to be a combination of hurry up and slow down, but all will go well, I’m sure. And I’ll be around, just not as much. 😀
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Wishing you and your family the best!
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Thank you, so much. I have your beautiful poem Andalusian Resurrection set up to reblog while I’m away. You’ll see the link and hopefully get some enthusiastic traffic. Have a lovely weekend. 🙂
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Thank you so much. I am really humbled.
Till then please take care of yourself and again best wishes to the entire family!
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Moving is difficult enough when it’s close, I can’t imagine 1000 miles away. Best of luck!!!
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Once the cats are situated, the hardest part is going to be navigating the trip with two wheelchairs. 🙂 But I’ll leave plenty of time and wear my project manager’s hat! Thanks for the luck, Rob. I take a little of that. ❤
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Good luck and take care.
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Thanks, Greg. It will be fine. My parents are letting me handle it, which actually makes the whole move a little easier. Have a great weekend. 🙂
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Good luck with everything, Diana. Blessings to you and your family💗
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Thanks you for the kind comment, Jordy. We’ll get everything done safely and with peace. ❤
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💗
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Good luck and the very best Diana!❤️
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Thank you. I’m off tomorrow with a good book and a long to-do list. 🙂 Happy Spring, my friend. ❤
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All the best with moving your parents, Diana. I am sure you will get everything done and be glad when it is all over.
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I will, Robbie. And my brother will be helping so we’ll have some fun too. Thanks for the kind comment. ❤
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I understand something of what this is like. I hope all goes as smoothly as possible
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Thanks, Derrick. My parents’ health is pretty compromised, so we’re going to take it slow (while I pack like a whirlwind in the background). All will go fine. Thank you.
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Wishing you all the best, Diana. I just went through this with my parents back in December. Be safe and don’t worry about us. You’ve done an amazing job with the speculative fiction prompts…we appreciate you. ❤
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I was thinking about you, Jill, as things started ramping up here. I know you can relate. Thanks for the kind comment and best wishes. 🙂
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Take care of yourself! Breaks are a good idea, and knowing limits is so important.
If anyone is upset or left simply too bereft, I thought I’d remind everyone that April is the poem month! If you need a prompt to follow or things to do, consider doing NaPoWriMo or giving it a good whirl.
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Great suggestion, H., though I think everyone will do just fine. Lol. Happy Poeting!
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